IOC 7.0| “Risk one year’s profit, not a lifetime’s earnings”: Milan Parikh’s 2026 message to traders

As markets step into 2026 amid heightened volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties, seasoned market participant Milan Parikh has a clear and uncompromising message for traders: protect what you have built.

Drawing on over two decades of experience, Milan Parikh cautions market participants against risking years of accumulated gains in pursuit of short-term opportunities.

Speaking to ETMarkets on the sidelines of the Indian Options Conclave (IOC) 7.0 in Surat, Milan Parikh, Managing Director and Chairman of Jainam Broking Limited emphasised disciplined risk management, urging traders to cap losses at one year’s profits rather than jeopardising a lifetime’s earnings.


From changing investor behaviour and the rise of Gen Z traders to the role of technology and evolving market structures, Milan Parikh shared practical insights on navigating today’s fast-paced trading environment without losing sight of capital preservation. Edited excerpts:

Q) It’s another year at IOC, and the scale has grown significantly. How do you see this journey of investors and traders?

A) IOC has evolved into a strong platform for exchanging ideas and perspectives across the trading ecosystem. Earlier, people largely attended out of curiosity. Today, we see participation from nearly 300–350 brokers from across India.

Such large-scale participation reflects the growing depth of India’s trading ecosystem and the importance of platforms that enable knowledge-sharing and the exchange of ideas.

We have also started a Professional Clearing Member (PCM) business, which we believe will play an important role in the future of market infrastructure.

Q) Jainam Broking is expanding rapidly new offices, a growing team. What is the vision ahead?

A) I started as a sub-broker and founded Jainam Broking in 2004. It’s been two decades and the journey has been fulfilling.

But growth cannot remain a one-person effort forever. My children, Dishant and Jainam, joined the business in 2016 and 2020, and over the last five to seven years, especially, growth has accelerated. The combination of experience and new energy gives us strength.

India is emerging as a major investment and trading destination. That represents a big opportunity, and we want to scale responsibly and be part of that journey.

Q) Investor behaviour has changed significantly, especially with Gen Z entering the markets. What differences do you observe?

A) There is a clear shift. In India, roughly 10% of traders currently make money, while globally the ratio is closer to 75–25 or 80–20. Over time, India is also likely to move closer to a 20% success rate.

The younger generation has greater access to information and historical data. They tend to verify and analyse rather than accept things at face value, which is a positive development.

However, the basic nature of trading products remains unchanged. Earnings are capped, risks persist, and multiple factors beyond greed and fear are always at play.

Most participants learn by paying what I call a “tuition fee.” Paying a "tuition fee" to the market often become the real teachers, regardless of experience level.

Q) You mentioned that this year’s speaker mix is slightly different. What did you mean by that?

A) Many successful traders who have delivered consistent performance over the years prefer to stay away from the spotlight. While they may not always be greatest presenters, they bring deep practical understanding built through years of market experience.

At the same time, there are speakers who are effective communicators and help simplify complex ideas, making markets more accessible to a wider audience. Both perspectives add value in different ways.

Real depth in trading often becomes evident over time by listening carefully, revisiting ideas, and understanding nuances through practice. Markets are layered and cannot always be captured fully in a single presentation.

Q) How has technology changed trading in India?

A) Technology has transformed markets significantly. Information asymmetry has reduced sharply, and tools available today were not accessible a decade ago.

Trading volumes have grown substantially, with technology playing a key role. Exchanges such as the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) have invested heavily in infrastructure, enabling smoother and more efficient market operations.

For disciplined traders, technology is a strong enabler it improves execution, strengthens risk management, and helps reduce emotional decision-making.

Q) What is your message to traders and investors as 2026 begins?

A) Markets remain volatile due to geopolitical risks and trade tensions.

My message is simple: risk one year’s profit, not a lifetime’s earnings.

If you have built wealth over many years, do not put all of it at risk. Structure your trading so that your maximum loss does not exceed last year’s profits.

If you earned ₹1 last year, ensure you do not lose more than ₹1 this year.

Always remember the exchange is smarter than us. Margins exist for a reason, and markets can move sharply in either direction. Risk control and capital preservation must come first. Profits follow discipline.

Q) How do you increase a trader’s knowledge?

A) We increase a trader’s knowledge through structured, full-time, and experience-driven learning not short-term or purely theoretical sessions.

First, manual guidance is central to our approach. While technology is important, trading cannot be learned through automation alone. Our trainers are deeply trained in both technology and manual intervention, ensuring traders understand decision-making, discipline, and risk awareness.

Second, we operate as a trading school focused on options trading, where learning is continuous and grounded in real market participation.

Third, we believe trading must be approached as a full-time career, not a part-time activity. Our programs are whole-day, intensive courses designed for those who want to make trading their profession.

This depth allows traders to fully absorb market behaviour, risk management, and psychological discipline.

Fourth, our curriculum is shaped by real trading experience since 2009. Rather than only teaching what to do, we place strong emphasis on what not to do. Avoiding common and costly mistakes is the fastest way to improve long-term survival in the markets.

Finally, our ecosystem based in Surat, a major trading hub supports peer learning, real-world exposure, and professional seriousness. Anyone can enrol, but the program is especially effective for those committed to building a long-term trading career.

In short, we increase traders’ knowledge by combining experience-backed teaching, full-time immersion, and a strong focus on avoiding mistakes, the foundations of sustainable trading success.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions expressed by experts are their own and do not represent the views of The Economic Times.